How to Dial In "Deal" by Grateful Dead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Deal"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Garcia (1972). Jerry Garcia's gambling shuffle from his 1972 solo debut, with a loose rhythm part and a bright, singing solo. Reverb dates the customised 1957 Stratocaster nicknamed Alligator to 1970 through 1973, but no source ties it or an amp to this record, so a Stratocaster through a Fender Twin Reverb reissue stands in. Set the amp clean with a little edge and use the middle pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Deal" Tone
What guitar did Grateful Dead use on "Deal"?
The guitar on "Deal" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Deal" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Deal" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Deal" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Deal" by Grateful Dead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.